Annual Tribute to a Fallen Heroine at CFB Petawawa
Virginia Hicks makes her annual pilgrimage to Canadian Forces Base Petawawa in northern Ontario, a place filled with memories of her daughter, Sapper Mariebeth Short, who tragically lost her life during a training exercise on September 23, 2002.
A Promising Soldier
Sapper Short enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces in 2000 and joined 2 Combat Engineer Regiment (2CER) at CFB Petawawa the following year. Virginia Hicks recalls her daughter as a “go-getter” who never backed down from challenges.
At just 22 years old, Sapper Short was gearing up for potential deployments to Afghanistan or Bosnia when her life was cut short.
Silver Cross Mother Recognition
This year, Virginia Hicks holds the honor of being the national Silver Cross Mother, a title awarded by the Royal Canadian Legion each Remembrance Day to the mother of a fallen Canadian soldier.
Tragic Accident During Training
Virginia recalls the painful moment she learned that her daughter was killed when the light armoured vehicle (LAV) she was operating rolled over during a training exercise.
Along with her husband, Brian, Hicks honors her daughter each year by visiting CFB Petawawa.
Sapper Mariebeth Short was killed in a LAV rollover on CFB Petawawa in 2002. (Virginia Hicks)
Wreath Laying at National Ceremony
As the Silver Cross Mother, Hicks is set to lay a wreath at the cenotaph in Ottawa during the national Remembrance Day ceremony on November 11. This year’s occasion carries even more weight following a recent fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta, which resulted in the deaths of four soldiers.
The victims of the incident, including Sgt. Morgan Wong, 26, and Pte. Shaun Farrell, 23, are being mourned nationwide. A thorough investigation into the incident is currently underway.
Composite image of the four soldiers who died in the CFB Wainwright incident. (Canadian Armed Forces/The Canadian Press)
Empathy and Support for Grieving Families
Hicks expressed profound sadness when news broke of the incident at CFB Wainwright. “It felt like a cold shower,” she remarked. “I realized I now have four more members of our club.”
She empathizes deeply with the grieving families, knowing they too will receive a Memorial Cross, a decoration for those who have lost loved ones in service.
“I hope fellow recipients know there is support,” she continued. “Their loved ones will never be forgotten, as their names are etched in history.”
Defying Expectations
Sapper Short, affectionately known as “Shorty,” boasted a height of just 4 feet 11 inches and weighed between 90 and 95 pounds. However, her small frame never deterred her ambition to become a combat engineer.
Virginia recalls her daughter undertaking physically demanding tasks such as mine disposal and driving LAVs. “She was small in stature but very mighty,” Hicks asserted.
Short’s journey to the military began shortly after she graduated high school, despite the family’s rich military lineage. Virginia herself served for 29 years, while her husband Brian contributed 30 years in the Forces.
A Lasting Legacy
In remembering her daughter, Virginia reflected, “Mariebeth was unique, with a kind heart.” Despite her challenges in high school and various career explorations, she ultimately found her place in the military.
Hicks admitted that the agony of losing her daughter made her question her own service, but she chose to stay. “It took us a couple of years to regain our footing,” she said.
As Remembrance Day approaches, Virginia Hicks prepares to honor her daughter’s sacrifice, making a poignant statement of pride for both the country and her daughter’s contributions.
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